Fastener assembly

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a stud including, a first end and a second end, a torque transferring structure located at the first end, a shaft provided with an axis and including a threaded surface that is provided with a locking thread located adjacent to a Vee shaped thread, the threaded surface is dimensioned to engage a plurality of threads on a nut body, wherein the plurality of threads on the nut body are provided with a diameter greater than an M12, and the locking thread on the shaft is provided with a root surface located between a first angled surface and a second angled surface, wherein the root surface is angled relative to the axis of the shaft.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/430,794, filed May 5,2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/933,312, filed on Aug. 20, 2001. The disclosure of application Ser.No. 10/430,794 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to fasteners, and particularly to fasteners usedto fasten cross members to the frames of trucks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fasteners are known in the art; however, back off and loosening havecontinued to be a problem in fastening applications. The presentinvention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantagesinherent in prior-art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appendedclaims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within thissummary. Briefly stated, a stud including, a first end and a second end,a torque transferring structure located at the first end, a shaftprovided with an axis and including a threaded surface that is providedwith a locking thread located adjacent to a Vee shaped thread, thethreaded surface is dimensioned to engage a plurality of threads on anut body, wherein the plurality of threads on the nut body are providedwith a diameter greater than an M12, and the locking thread on the shaftis provided with a root surface located between a first angled surfaceand a second angled surface, wherein the root surface is angled relativeto the axis of the shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a side elevational view of the stud of the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a close up view of a threaded surface on the stud of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a close up view of a locking thread on the stud of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a close up view of the locking threads cooperating withthe threads of a nut body;

FIG. 5 depicts a close up view of the locking threads cooperating withthe threads of a nut body;

FIG. 6 depicts a close up view of the Vee-shaped threads on the stud ofthe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a close up view of the curved threads on the stud of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a close up view of the curved threads on the stud of analternative embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a close up view of the threaded surface on the stud of analternative embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts the stud of the presently preferred embodiment used tofasten a cross member to the frame of a truck;

FIG. 11 depicts a bottom plain view of the stud of the presentlypreferred embodiment;

FIG. 12 depicts a side elevational view of the stud of the presentlypreferred embodiment;

FIG. 13 depicts the stud of the presently preferred embodiment whilefastening a structure to a frame;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a washer of the preferredembodiment

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view a washer of an alternativeembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plain view, partially in section, of a nut-washer ofan alternative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a top plain view, partially in section, of a nut-washer of analternative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a nut andwasher of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a plain view of a quarter segment of overlying annular andbearing surfaces of a nut and washer, respectively, of an alternativeembodiment, showing their relationship to each other circumferentially;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view of an arcuate portion (on an 180arc in the present illustration) of the faces and bearing faces matingin the assembly of an alternative embodiment, the view depicting curvedsurfaces as straight because of this;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a nut of an alternativeembodiment, showing the convex curvature of its inclined bearing faces;

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view through the washer of an alternativeembodiment, showing the concave curvature of its inclined bearing faces;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a nut of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a nut of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view, in section, of a washer of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a bottom plain view, partially in section, of a nut-washer ofthe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a top plain view, partially in section, of a nut-washer ofthe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 28 is side elevational view of a nut-washer of the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view, in section, of a nut-washer of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a close up side elevational view of an annular surface on anut of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view, in section, of a bearing surface ona washer of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view, in section, of a washer of analternative embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a close up side elevational view, in section, of a clampingsurface on a washer of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view, in section, of a washer of analternative embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a side elevational view, in section, of a nut of thepreferred embodiment in relation to a socket from a socket wrench;

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view, in section, of a nut of thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a side elevational view, in section, of a nut of thepreferred embodiment in relation to a stud;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view, in section, of a bearing surface ona washer of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view, in section, of a washer of analternative embodiment;

FIG. 40 is a close up side elevational view of the annular surface onthe nut of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view, in section, of the nut-washer of analternative embodiment in relation to a stud having a notch;

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of a partially finished nut ofthe presently preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 43 is a bottom plain view, partially in section, of a nut-washer ofan alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show a stud 10constituting a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The stud10 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspectof the present invention, the metal is copper. According to anotheraspect of the present invention, the metal is iron.

In one aspect of the present invention, the metal is an alloy. Accordingto another aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrousand non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the metal is a steel. By way of example and not limitation,the steel is a stainless steel, such as 8286. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the steel is a low carbon steel, such as 1010. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a mediumcarbon steel, such as 1038, 1541, 4037, 8640, or 8650. In yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.

Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is asuper alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the superalloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention,the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet anotheraspect of the present invention, the stud 10 is composed of martensiticmaterial, such as 410 or 416. According to still another aspect of thepresent invention, the stud 10 is composed of austenitic material, suchas 302HQ, 304, or 305. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the metal is a ferritic material.

FIG. 1 depicts the preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomposed of a plurality of outer surfaces. As illustrated in FIG. 1, theshaft 20 provides a suitable location for at least one of a plurality ofouter surfaces. A lower cylindrical shaft element 22 of the preferredembodiment includes a plurality of threads 40. Located adjacent to thethreads 40 is an unthreaded surface 30.

The outer surfaces of the present invention perform a plurality offunctions. In the preferred embodiment, the surface composed of aplurality of threads 40 functions to couple the stud 10 to anotherstructure. This function is accomplished through the interaction of theplurality of threads 40 and the cooperating threads of a nut body 52.

The stud 10 includes a first end 11, a second end 12, a shaft 20 and,preferably, a head 56. The shaft 20 is composed of at least one of aplurality of shaft elements. According to one aspect of the presentinvention, the shaft element is cylindrical in shape. According toanother aspect of the present invention, the shaft element is conical inshape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, theshaft element is solid. According to still yet another aspect of thepresent invention, the shaft element is hollow.

FIG. 1 depicts the preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomposed of a plurality of shaft elements. The shaft 20 includes anupper cylindrical shaft element 21, a lower cylindrical shaft element22, and a conical shaft element 23. In the preferred embodiment, theupper cylindrical shaft element 21 is joined to the lower cylindricalshaft element 22 via the conical shaft element 23.

The presently preferred embodiment includes at least one torquetransferring structure 60. As used herein, a torque transferringstructure 60 is any structure which allows a torque to be transferred tothe present invention. The torque transferring structure 60 of thepreferred embodiment cooperates with the surface with threads 40 totighten or loosen the connection between the present invention andanother structure. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the torquetransferring structure 60 is located on the head 56 preferably in apolygonal shape such as a hexagon. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11,the torque transferring structure 60 is located on the shaft as aninternal drive 61 configured to cooperate with a tool, such as a wrenchor a screw driver. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,a torque transferring structure 60 is located on the head 56 and on thebottom of the shaft 20.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that torque is transferred viaa plurality of structures and that any such structure can be usedwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. Anystructure which allows a torque to be transferred to the presentinvention is a torque transferring structure within the scope of thepresent invention.

The stud 10 of the present invention is provided with a plurality ofouter surfaces. According to one aspect of the present invention, theouter surface is an unthreaded surface 30. According to another aspectof the present invention, the outer surface is a threaded surface 40.

FIG. 2 depicts the threaded surface 40 in greater detail. As showntherein, the threaded surface 40 is provided with a plurality of threadconfigurations 41, 42, 43. The threaded surface 40 is provided with alocking thread 41. FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a pluralityof locking threads 41 in greater detail. As depicted in FIG. 3, thelocking thread 41 is provided with a plurality of angled surfaces 44,46. In the preferred embodiment, the locking thread 41 is provided witha first angled surface 44 and a second angled surface 46.Advantageously, the first angled surface 44 is at an angle 100 withrespect to the second angled surface 46 ranging between 30 to 70°,preferably 60°.

Located between the first angled surface 44 and the second angledsurface 46 is a root surface 45. The root surface 45 is at an angle 47with respect to an imaginary horizontal line A running along the axis ofthe shaft 20. Preferably, the angle 47 is between 4° and 8°. The rootsurface 45 has a width that is greater than that found in a conventionalthread and is configured so that the locking thread 41 converges to thehead 56.

The locking thread 41 is configured to cooperate with the threads 64 ofa nut body 52. As the nut body 52 is torqued onto the shaft 20, the rootsurfaces 45 within the locking threads 41 exert a force on the threads64 of the nut body 52. As depicted in FIG. 4, in cases where the threads64 of the nut body 52 include a metal, the root surface 45 exerts aforce upon the thread 64 of the nut body 52 so that the metal flowsupward on a flank 48 of the thread 64.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the threads 64 of the nut body 52 are re-formedso that the threads 64 generally conform to the configuration of thelocking thread 41. As depicted in FIG. 5, the flank 48 of the thread 64of the nut body 52 is re-formed so that it is in contact with at leastone of the angled surfaces 44, 46 of the locking thread 41. FIG. 5further depicts the threads 64 of the nut body 52 re-formed so that agreater surface area is in contact with the root surfaces 45 on theshaft 20.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a plurality of Vee-shaped threads 42 are locatedadjacent to the plurality of locking threads 41. A cross-sectional viewof a plurality of Vee-shaped threads 42 is depicted in greater detail inFIG. 6. As shown therein, a Vee-shaped thread 42 is provided with afirst side 50 and a second side 51. The sides 50, 51 abut one anotherand are configured to form a Vee shape. The first side 50 is at an anglewith respect to the second side 51, preferably ranging between 30° and90°.

FIG. 2 further depicts a plurality of curved threads 43 located adjacentto the Vee-shaped threads 42. FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of aplurality of curved threads 43 in greater detail. According to oneaspect of the present invention, the curved threads 43 are configured toprevent cross-threading. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the curved threads 43 are configured to orient the threads 64of a nut body 52 so that the threads 64 align with the threaded surface40 on the shaft 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the curved threads 43 are provided with at least onecurved surface 31. In the preferred embodiment, the curved threads 43are provided with a first side 50 and a second side 51. The curvedsurface 31 is located between the first side 50 and the second side 51.As shown in FIG. 7, the first side 50 is at angle with respect to thesecond side 51, preferably ranging between 30° and 90°. Alternatively,as shown in FIG. 8, the first and second sides 50, 51 are curved.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative threaded surface40. As shown therein, the threaded surface 40 includes a plurality ofguide threads 53. According to one aspect of the present invention, theguide threads 53 are configured to prevent cross-threading. According toanother aspect, the guide threads 53 are configured to orient thethreads 64 of a nut body 52 so that the threads 64 align with thethreaded surface 40 on the shaft 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the guidethreads 53 are located at an end of the shaft 20 and are provided with areduced diameter relative to the Vee-shaped threads 42.

A plurality of plateau threads 63 are located adjacent to the guidethreads 53. As depicted in FIG. 9, the plateau threads 63 are providedwith a plurality of plateaus 55. The plateaus 55 are shaped to preventcross-threading and to orient the nut body so that the threads 64 alignwith the threaded surface 40 on the shaft 20. In the embodiment depictedin FIG. 9, the plateaus 55 are conically or frusto-conically shaped,preferably to provide a ramped cross-sectional profile.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a bottom cross-sectional view of the shaft 20is shown. The shaft 20 is advantageously provided with a trilobularshape; however a circular or ovular shape could be used. As furtherdepicted in FIG. 11, at an end of the shaft 20, there is provided atorque transferring structure 60 in the form of an internal drive,preferably hexagonal in shape.

FIG. 11 further depicts the underside 57 of the head 56. As shown inFIG. 11, the underside 57 of the head 56 is provided with a plurality ofprotrusions 58. The protrusions 57 depicted in FIG. 11 are shaped toprevent rotation of the stud 10 when the stud 10 is fastened. FIG. 13,for example, depicts a structure 67 being fastened to the frame 65 of atruck. By way of further example, as shown in FIG. 10, the stud 10 isadvantageously used to fasten a cross member 69 to the frame 65 of atruck.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the protrusions 58 provide the underside 57 ofthe head 56 with a roughened surface 59. The roughened surface 59increases the frictional coefficient between the underside 57 of thehead 56 and another surface, such as the surface of a frame 65 of atruck. In the preferred embodiment, the protrusions 58 on the underside57 of the head 56 are angled, preferably between 2° and 90°.

The stud 10 is fabricated through a plurality of processes. According toone aspect of the present invention, the stud 10 is machined. Accordingto another aspect of the present invention, the stud 10 is hot formed orforged. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, thestud 10 is fabricated through casting. The preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is cold formed (also known as “cold head”).

The process of cold forming the stud begins with a metal wire or metalrod which is drawn to size. After being drawn to size, the wire or rodis upset by being run through a series of dies or extrusions. First, thehead 56 is formed, preferably with the protrusions 58. Then, the shaft20 is extruded to have a trilobular cross section. Then the threads 40are rolled with a sectional die. Preferably, the curved threads 43 aretolled first. Then, the Vee-shaped threads 42 are rolled. Finally, thelocking threads 41 are rolled.

In the case of a carbon steel being used as a material in the stud 10,it is desirable to heat treat the stud 10 through a quench and temper.In the case of a stainless steel being used, such as 8286, it isdesirable to put the stud 10 through a solution anneal and then agehardening in a furnace via ASTM A453.

To finish the stud 10, it is coated with a low friction coating via adip and spin. However, a plating, an organic coating, PTFE, a dacrometcoating, an inorganic coating, dorraltone, a zinc coating, such as anelectro zinc coating, a coating containing phosphate and oil, a ceramiccoating, or a coating of waxes and oils may all be used.

The stud 10 is configured to operate with a nut 52 or a nut-washerassembly 99. Referring now to FIG. 16, the presently preferredembodiment of the nut-washer 99 is depicted. As depicted therein, thenut-washer 99 is provided with a nut 52. The nut 52 is preferablyfabricated from steel, preferably a carbon steel, such as 1020 to 1045steel.

The nut body 52 is preferably forged. The steel is first heated to 2100°F., cut into segments, and pressed so that it is circular and larger indiameter. Then a portion of the inner surface and a torque transmittingsurface 66 are forged. Thereafter, another portion of the inner surfaceis punched out and the nut 52 is then heat treated to an averagehardness ranging between 26 and 36 on the Rockwell C scale, preferably31.

The washer body 82 is preferably fabricated from an alloy grade steel,such as 4140 steel. However, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat a medium carbon steel such as 1020 to 1045 steel may be used.Similar to the nut body 52, it is preferred that the washer body 82 befabricated through forging. The steel is first heated to 2100° F., cutinto segments, and pressed so that it is circular and larger indiameter. Then, an annulus is formed and punched out. The washer body 82is heat treated to an average hardness ranging between 28 and 42 on theRockwell C scale, preferably 36.

The nut 52 and washer 54 are assembled together. The nut 52 is matedwith the washer 54 and then a collar on the nut is flared out. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the flare provides a lead forthe threads. Then, a tap is sent down through the nut body 52, andthreads are cut into the nut body 52. The threads preferably have adiameter in the range of M8 up to an M30.

The nut body 52 and/or the washer body 82 may advantageously be providedwith a coating. Preferably, the coating is of a formulation thatprevents rust and/or corrosion; however, other coatings may be used. Byway of example, and not limitation, the coating may be a formulationthat reduces friction. In one embodiment, the coating reduces frictionbetween the nut and the washer. In another embodiment, the coatingreduces friction within the threads.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various chemical compoundsmay be used as suitable coatings. In one embodiment,polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is used. In another embodiment, a zinccoating is used. In yet another embodiment, a water-based coatingdispersion containing metal oxides and/or aluminum flakes is used.

In the preferred embodiment, the nut 52 is a body that is internallythreaded at 64, as shown in FIG. 14. The internal threads at 64preferably extend to an internal portion of a skirt 68.

The nut body 52 is provided with a plurality of curved and flatsurfaces. As shown in FIG. 14 externally around the periphery of the nutbody 52 is a torque transmitting surface 66. The torque transmittingsurface 66 of the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality ofsurfaces. As depicted in FIG. 14, the plurality of surfaces are arrangedin the preferred hexagonal shape.

The nut body 52 is provided with an annular surface 72. The annularsurface 72 is located at the bottom of the nut body 52, above a skirt68. Referring now to FIG. 11, the annular surface 72 is preferablygenerally frusto-conical in shape. However, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the annular surface 72 can be spherically concave,spherically convex, or flat, without departing from the scope of theinvention. By way of example and not limitation, the annular surface 72can be flat where the application does not require a washer 54.

The annular surface 72 can be fabricated using any desired technique. Inthe preferred embodiment, the annular surface 72 is preferablyfabricated by cold forging. The cold forging is preferably accomplishedthrough the use of a die insert. The die insert is preferably machinedto the desired shape using conventional ball end mill techniques.

In an alternative embodiment, the annular surface 72 is undulating inshape. The annular surface 72 of this embodiment is configured tocooperate with a bearing surface 84. As depicted in FIG. 28, the annularsurface 74 is undulating in shape. The annular surface 72 therein isprovided with an annularly extending series of surfaces, which provide auniform undulation around the entire annular surface 72.

FIG. 18 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. As depicted therein, the annular surface 72 is provided witha plurality of lower peaks. The lower peaks are provided as plateausegments 74.

The plateau segments 74 are preferably generally spherically convex. Theplateau segments 74 are provided with the same radius as the valleys 122on the bearing surface 84. The plateau segments 74 are formed in thecold forging process so that they are all convex and lie on the surfaceof an imaginary sphere whose center is on the axis of the nut body 52.The radius of that sphere ranges from 0.1 inches to 2.00 inches.

The plateau segments 74 are adjacent to a plurality of faces 73. Eachplateau segment 74 is adjacent to a pair of faces 73 that are oppositelyinclined. The annular surface 72 of this alternative embodiment isprovided with an annularly extending series of faces 73, which form auniform undulation around the entire surface. The faces 73 areconfigured to be complementary with corresponding bearing faces 116 onthe bearing surface 84. The faces 73 are provided with the same radiusas the bearing faces 73 on the bearing surface 84.

As depicted in FIG. 18, the faces 73 are preferably generallyspherically convex. Each face 73 is formed so that it is convex and iscurved both radially and circumferentially with respect to the nut body52.

Each face 73 is adjacent to a valley 75. Each valley 75 is adjacent to apair of faces 73. The valleys 75 are configured to be narrower thanvalleys 122 on the bearing surface 84. As depicted in FIG. 18, thevalleys 75 are preferably generally spherically convex.

The valley 75 and adjacent faces 73 of the alternative embodimentprovide a generally inverted Vee-shape profile. The Vee-shaped profileprovides the plateau segments 74 with a height. The height equals thevertical distance between the plateau segment 74 and the valley 75. Theheight is preferably slightly greater than the clearance between thethreads at 64 and those on a stud 10, when the nut-washer 99 is inplace. In this alternative embodiment, the height ranges between 0inches and 0.030 inches (0.038 mm).

The nut 52 is preferably provided with a skirt 68. The skirt extendsaxially away from the nut body 52 at the inner end of internal threads64. The skirt 68 is configured to cooperate with a washer 54. The skirt68 is shaped to retain a washer 54 in a loose relationship. In thepreferred embodiment, the skirt 68 is adapted to extend axially from theannular surface 72 into the generally cylindrical washer body 82whereupon it is formed outwardly under an undercut shoulder within thewasher body 82 to loosely but securely hold the washer 54 and nut 52together.

As shown in FIG. 11, depending from the nut body 52 is a unitarilyformed annular skirt 68. As shown in FIG. 17, the skirt 68 is providedwith a flared portion 85 that functions to retain the washer 54. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that, for an application that doesnot require a washer 54, the nut 52 can be fabricated without the skirt68 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the presently preferred embodiment of thenut-washer 99 is depicted. As depicted therein the nut-washer 99 isprovided with a washer 54. The washer 54 is preferably fabricated fromsteel. The steel is preferably medium carbon steel. The steel ispreferably forged and then heat treated to an average hardness of 33 onthe Rockwell C scale

As shown in FIG. 13, the washer 52 is provided with a washer body 82. Inthe preferred embodiment, the washer body 82 is generally annular inshape. As shown in FIG. 13, a portion of the washer body 82 is generallycylindrical.

The washer body 82 is provided with a bearing surface 84. The bearingsurface 84 can be fabricated using any desired technique. The bearingsurface 84 is preferably fabricated by cold forging. The cold forging ispreferably accomplished through the use of a die insert. The die insertis preferably machined to the desired shape using conventional ball endmill techniques.

As depicted in FIG. 13, the bearing surface 84 is preferably located onthe inner end of the washer body 82. As depicted therein, the bearingsurface 84 is preferably generally frusto-conical in shape. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the bearing surface 84 canbe spherically concave, spherically convex, or flat, without depart fromthe scope of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the bearing surface 84 is undulating inshape. The bearing surface 84 of this embodiment is configured tocooperate with an annular surface 72. As depicted in FIG. 19, thebearing surface 84 is undulating in shape. The bearing surface 84therein is provided with an annularly extending series of surfaces,which provide a uniform undulation around the entire bearing surface 84.

FIG. 26 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. As depicted therein, the bearing surface 84 is provided witha plurality of upper peaks of an undulation. The upper peaks areprovided as plateau surfaces 118. The plateau surfaces 118 are generallyspherically concave

The plateau surfaces 118 are adjacent to a plurality of bearing faces116. Each plateau segment 74 is adjacent to a pair of bearing faces 116.The bearing surface 84 of this alternative embodiment is provided withan annularly extending series of bearing faces 116, which form a uniformundulation around the entire surface. The bearing faces 116 areconfigured to correspond to faces 73 on the annular surface 72. Asdepicted in FIG. 26, the bearing faces 116 are generally sphericallyconcave.

Each bearing face 73 is adjacent to a valley 122. Each valley 122 isadjacent to a pair of bearing faces 116. The valleys 122 are configuredto be wider than valleys 75 on the annular surface 72.

As depicted in FIG. 26, the valleys 122 are generally sphericallyconcave. The valleys 122 are formed in the forging process so that theyare all concave and lie on the surface of an imaginary sphere whosecenter is on the axis of the washer body 82. The radius of that sphereranges from 0.1 inches to 2.00 inches. As such, it will be seen that theplateau segments 74 on the nut body 52 are perfectly complementary inshape to the valleys 122 on the washer body 82.

The valley 122 and adjacent bearing faces 116 of the alternativeembodiment provide an inverted Vee shape profile. The Vee shaped profileprovides the plateau surfaces 118 with a height. The height equals thevertical distance between the plateau surface 118 and the valley 122.The height is preferably slightly greater than the clearance between thethreads at 64 and those on a stud 10, when the nut-washer 99 is inplace. In the alternative embodiment shown, the height is slightly lessthan approximately 0.015 inches (0.38 mm).

In the preferred embodiment, washer body 82 is provided with a clampingsurface 86. As depicted in FIG. 13, the clamping surface 86 is providedon the outer end 88 of the washer body 82. In the presently preferredembodiment, the clamping surface 86 is generally flat.

In an alternative embodiment, the washer 54 is provided with an ear 108.The ear 108 is configured to cooperate with a stud 10. The ear 108cooperates with a slot 49 provided on at least a portion of the stud 10.The ear 108 is of a size and shape suitable to slide loosely in anaxially elongated slot 49 formed on one side of the threaded end sectionof a stud 10. The ear 108 preferably cooperates with the slot 49 toprevent the washer 54 from rotating with respect to the stud 10.

FIG. 22 depicts an ear 108 extending inward from the end face 88 of thewasher body 82. FIG. 22 depicts the ear 108 extending inwardly of thebase of the washer body 82, opposite a flange 92. Referring now to FIG.29, the ear 108 is depicted cooperating with a slot 49 on a portion of astud 10.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention contemplatesthe use of other conventional means for preventing washer rotation. Inthe alternative, a flat may be formed on the stud 10 and a correspondingflat formed inwardly of the washer body 82.

FIG. 29 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown therein, the washer 54 is provided with a flange 92.The flange 92 extends outward from the washer body 82. In thisalternative embodiment, the flange 92 is between 0.05 inches and 0.12inches thick.

In another alternative embodiment, the flange 92 is provided with aplurality of slots formed inwardly from its outer edge, at regularintervals around the flange 92. The slots permit intervening flangesections 102 to resiliently flex, albeit only slightly, when theclamping surface 86 is forced against a surface and is under the desiredload.

FIG. 17 depicts the flange 92 provided with slots in the form of aplurality of cut-outs 98. The cut-outs 98 provide the flange 92 with aplurality of flange sections 102. Advantageously, the flange sections102 are configured to flex axially. The flange sections 102 areconfigured to flex an axial distance which is slightly greater than theclearance between the threads on the stud and the threads on the nut 52.

In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the cut-outs 98 aregenerally U shaped. However, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat this invention contemplates utilizing cut-outs 98 with alternativeshapes.

In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the flange 92 isprovided with six cut-outs 98 yielding six flange sections. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of cut-outs 98may be employed. In particular, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat it is advantageous to utilize more or less than six cut-outs 98,depending on the size and thickness of the flange 92.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, thewasher 54 is provided with a clamping surface 86. Referring to FIG. 27,at least a portion of the clamping surface 86 is located on the flange92. As shown therein, the clamping surface 86 is located on the bottomof the flange 92 and the outer face 88 of the washer body 82.

In this alternative embodiment, the slightly concave clamping surface 86on the bottom of the washer 54 forms what approximates a shallow frustumof a cone. The clamping surface 86 is preferably inclined upwardly fromthe outer periphery 94 of the bottom of the washer flange 92 toward theinner periphery 96 of the body 82. As best depicted in FIG. 21, theclamping surface 86 is at an angle 101 with respect to imaginary line C.Angle 101 ranges from 0° to 3°. In this alternative embodiment, theangle 101 is 2°.

In another alternative embodiment, the washer 54 is provided with aplurality of depressions 104. Advantageously, the plurality ofdepressions 104 provide the clamping surface 86 with clamp segments 106.Advantageously, the clamp segments 106 are configured to flex axially.

Referring to FIG. 4, the depressions 104 are located on the bottom ofthe flange 92 and the outer face 88 of the washer body 82. In thisalternative embodiment, the depressions 104 extend radially inward fromcorresponding cut-outs 98. As depicted in FIG. 4, the clamping surface86 is provided with six depressions 104 that are generally Vee-shaped.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number ofdepressions may be employed.

In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the depressions 104effectively separate the annular clamp surface 86 into six clampsegments 106 that are provided with an arcuate shape. The arcuate outerextremities of the clamp segments 106 are located between the cut-outs98 and are able to resiliently flex axially of the washer 54.

FIG. 38 depicts the clamping surface 86 of an alternative embodiment. Asshown therein, the clamping surface 86 is provided with a plurality ofprotrusions 57. The protrusions 57 provide the clamping surface 86 witha higher frictional coefficient.

The protrusions 57 are configured to cooperate with a surface on whichthe clamping surface 86 is fastened. Advantageously, the protrusions 57cooperate with the surface to prevent the washer 54 from rotating withrespect to the surface that is being fastened. FIG. 38 depicts aclamping surface 86 that is provided with eight (8) protrusions;however, a clamping surface 86 may be provided with more than eight (8)protrusions, such as twelve (12) protrusions. Alternatively, the nutbody 52 may be provided with a clamping surface 86 having protrusions 57rather than the washer 54 as depicted in FIG. 38.

FIG. 17 depicts the nut 52 and washer 54 assembled in the preferredembodiment. As depicted therein, the nut 52 and washer 54 are preferablyassembled by inserting the skirt 68 into the washer 54, whereby theannular surface 72 is opposed to the bearing surface 84.

Thereafter, at least a portion of the skirt 68 is forced outward toprovide a flared portion 85.

The flared portion 85 is configured to underlie a portion of the washer54, whereby it loosely but securely connects the nut 52 and washer 54,while permitting the nut 52 to rotate freely relative to the washer 54.

FIG. 14 depicts the preferred embodiment, wherein the flared portion 85underlies an annular inward projection 83 around its circumference.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the skirt can beforced outward at spaced locations, which underlie a portion of theprojection 83.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A stud comprising: a) a first end and a second end; b) a torquetransferring structure located at the first end; c) a shaft providedwith an axis and including a threaded surface that is provided with alocking thread located adjacent to a Vee shaped thread; d) the threadedsurface is dimensioned to engage a plurality of threads on a nut body,wherein the plurality of threads on the nut body ate provided with adiameter greater than an M12; and e) the locking thread on the shaft isprovided with a root surface located between a first angled surface anda second angled surface, wherein the root surface is angled relative tothe axis of the shaft.
 2. A stud according to claim 1, wherein the angleis between four and eight degrees.
 3. A stud according to claim 1,wherein at least one curved thread is located between the Vee shapedthreads and the second end of the stud.
 4. A stud according to claim 1,wherein the threaded surface includes a curved thread comprising acurved surface located between a first side and a second side.
 5. A studaccording to claim 1, wherein the threaded surface includes a curvedthread comprising a curved surface located between a first side and asecond side, wherein the first side and the second side are curved.
 6. Astud according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is provided with atrilobular shape.
 7. A stud according to claim 1, further comprising ahead located at the first end, wherein the head is provided with thetorque transferring structure.
 8. A stud according to claim 1, furthercomprising a head located at the first end, wherein the head is providedwith the torque transferring structure and an underside that includes aplurality of protrusions.
 9. A stud according to claim 1, wherein theshaft includes a stainless steel.
 10. A stud according to claim 1,further comprising: a) a nut body rotatable about the axis of the shaft;b) an annular surface on the nut body provided with a plurality ofinclined faces oriented circumferentially forming portions of anundulating annular surface; and c) a washer body rotatable relative tothe nut body and provided with a bearing surface and a clamping surface,wherein the clamping surface includes a plurality of protrusions and thebearing surface is axially opposed to the annular surface on the nutbody and provided with a plurality of inclined faces orientedcircumferentially and forming portions of an undulating bearing surface.